First Reading: Bar 1:15-22; Psalm: 79. R. v. 9; Gospel: Lk 10:13-16

SEIZING OUR OPPORTUNITIES

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

Jesus expressed his frustration, disappointment and pain by pronouncing ‘woe’ upon the towns of Chorazin and Bethsaida. Obviously, Jesus expended his time and energy preaching the gospel to this people but all his efforts seemed to be in vain. His frustration and pain was that these towns were completely passive to his teachings and mighty works. In the final analysis, they disparaged the gospel and made him a noisy gong.

It is a grave sin when opportunities that should have enhanced or changed others are given to us and we wasted it all. Any father would be frustrated if he spent his resources in training his child and that child passively wasted the whole opportunity without becoming any better. There are several people praying for the opportunities we have in life but never got them. When we passively waste the opportunities that others do not have; we not only incur the curse of a failed chance but also deserve to face the punishment of wasting the glorious opportunities that others would have utilised if given to them.

Opportunities come our way every day; opportunities to work, to love, to serve, to give or to share. And most importantly, opportunities to repent of our sinful ways. Unfortunately, we often do not make good use of these opportunities. The bitter truth is that these opportunities will elude us if we failed to respond to them timely and accordingly. And we may not even be lucky to live to see them again. Jesus warns us today of the danger of failed chances that elicit regret and grave consequences. We should therefore cease every positive opportunity that comes our way to live fully in accordance to the will of God; so that we may be fulfilled as God’s true children.  

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, grant us a humble and docile spirit to do your will always. Amen.